Funtime Inc. co-founder Gasper Lococo has died
By amusementtoday | October 7, 2015
HURON, Ohio — Gasper Charles Lococo passed away Friday morning, October 2, 2015, of natural causes at home surrounded by his family.
Gasper was born on February 22, 1928 in Sandusky, Ohio, to the late August and Jenny (Cosentino) Lococo.
He was a Sgt. First Class in the United States Army who proudly served his country from 1950 to 1952. Gasper began his amusement career working at Cedar Point. In 1968, Lococo, along three other partners, left Cedar Point to form Funtime, Inc. and in November of that same year the group purchased Geauga Lake Park from the Schryer family. Funtime later entered into a lease agreement with the city of Columbus to manage Wyandot Lake Park in 1983. That same year Funtime Inc. purchased 50% controlling interest in Darien Lake Park, New York, acquiring the remaining 50% by the 1990s.
Gasper was an innovator in the amusement park industry; he was well respected and recognized by his peers for his many achievements. He was passionate about family and wanted to bring that passion to other families through his amusement parks. He and his partners grew Funtime Inc into a multi-million corporation that was worth $60 million dollars when it was sold in 1995 to Premier Parks. Gasper retired after selling Funtime Inc. He also enjoyed golfing, being an Ohio State fan and spending time with his family. Gasper gave back to his local community, both in Sandusky and Hudson.
Gasper was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Sandusky and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hudson. He was also a member of the Booster Clubs in Sandusky and Hudson, the Italian American Club in Sandusky, the Walden Country Club in Aurora, OH, the Boca Tecca Country Club in Boca Raton, FL and the IAAPA. He also generously contributed to The Ohio State University.
Gasper is survived by his wife, Anna Marie (Missione) Lococo, whom he married on October 6, 1951 . He is also survived by his daughters, Pamela (Art Fessler-deceased) Lococo, Jean Marie Lococo and Kristen Lococo; sons, August (Marialana) and Anthony (Marijon) Lococo; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brothers, Peter (Gail) and Chuck (Judy) Lococo; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Friends may call on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky. A prayer service will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday, October 7 at 9:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Ave., Sandusky with Father Matt Frisbee presiding. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Sandusky.
Those wishing to contribute to Gasper’s memory may do so to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northern Ohio Chapter, 8001 Sweet Valley Drive, Suite 3, Valley View, OH 44125.
